THE BALLOON MAN

May 26-30, 2011

Memorial Day Weekend

Chico, CA

Russell Bros. Circus
It's kind of like an old cliche.
Kid sees the circus and loves it. Kid runs away to join the circus. Kid grows up and becomes the ringmaster!But for Edward Russell, it's been the story of his life. "When I was a kid I always wanted to do this," said the 73 year old owner of Russell Brothers Circus. "One summer I went and did it, and I never went back. I ran a side show and introduced all the odd, unusual and bizarre acts."Viewers see a magician, a disappearing dove named Hugo Birdini, a man completes a handstand on several stacked and wobbly chairs, a trick called "Temple Benares" that involves a disappearing man and numerous swords, and a amusing clown named Bingo who can balance a circling saucer on a thin stick.Of course that isn't the entire show. Kids cheer on each new trick to come.